12-7-99 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine

Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 09:35:41 PST
From: Andrew Rose [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7&8/99

12/7/99 CCCC, POrtland, ME
I  (8:05-9:30) Farmhouse, First Tube, NICU > Funky Bitch*, PYITE, Nellie
Cane, Halley's^->Coil
  *slowed down, funky
  ^25 min, insane, Trey on keys

II (10:10-11:25) Wolfman's, Jennifer Dances, Heavy Things, Bug,
Bathtub**->Simple, Free->Suzie
E: Walkaway, Rockytop
**ambient jam

I just wanted to say a few words about the two amazing days I spent in
Portland before I got to sleep for about 24 hours after WAY too long a
drive
.... 

These shows were two of the most intimate, energy packed, musically
mind-blowing shows I have seen in a while. People can say what they will
about some of the song selection or or placement, but the fact is that the
boys were ON and they knew it. When all four of them turned on during the
Halley's on the first night it was bliss.

I was front row the whole show and I just have to say here that Mike is a
fucking ROCK. The Halley's was at least 25 minutes and I'd wager it's the
best one out there. Better than Grand Rapids 98, better than Hampton 97,
...
but you don't have to take my word for it. Hear it yourself!

The Bathtub was beautiful, long and very ambient. Free->Suzie was even
better. Mike just went nuts during Free, him and Trey were soloing off
each other at one point. And Suzie was just so fresh ... like the Nassau
version only better. Page got on the clavs and it just got funky and
crazy.


Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 14:55:12 -0500
From: Dan Buckley [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7 portland review
 
this was the smallest venue i had ever seen the band in all of my 30 or
so shows, so i was very excited heading into the show.  scene outside
was normal, plenty of drugs and good eats.  i heard of some trouble w/
the pigs heading to the show, but we came from the north so there was
little problem for us.  the venue is small, only about 9000 capacity, so
its very intimate.  i brought my two roommates who are a little phish
weary.  but they had a good time anyway.  the band came on a little
after 8.
 
Farmhouse:  i figured i would hear this one at some point during the
run.  the new arrangement is interesting......nuff said
 
First Tube:  loved this song on the trey tour, and it was better here.
even my skeptical roommates were smiling at this one.  great trey
soloing on this.
 
NICU:  great dance song.  standard version
 
Funky Bitch:  strong version here.  i was looking for something a little
meatier, maybe a Stash or something like that.  nonetheless good
trey/page interplay.
 
PYITE:  i have heard this one way too much lately.  in fact, saw it the
last show i was at, first night albany.  standard version, nothing
spectacular
 
Nellie Cane:  i think this was a first for me.  love it though.  always
a fun bluegrass number.
 
Halley's:  not too psyched about this one's placement.  it looks as
though this is the center piece of the set.  the jam was interesting,
but never really took off.  i like how the guys seem to be writing a
song inside each jam now.  the only downside to that is that its REALLY
difficult to pull it off each time, but they were close w/ this one.
its hard to hit a great version each time when you jam out in this way.
 
Coil:  good set ending song, but only when it follows a high-energy
song.  good version though.  annoying crowd however.  too many little
kids.  i am 19, and i felt old last night.  i wish people would just
chill during page's solo but that wasn't the case......oh well....
 
-----
 
Wolfman's:  i am sick of this one.  its a good tune, but i have heard
the jam way too much, time to put it on the shelf.
 
Jennifer Dances:  good new one, very much in the new trey style.
catchy, but good.  wasn't too excited about its placement right after
wolfmans.  i guess we need to give it time
 
Heavy THings:  was hoping for this one, but not right here.  just too
slow to follow two slow songs that never really took off.  still a good
version, and it got the people in the know groovin'
 
Bug:  another bad placement.  just not the way to get the set going.  i
kept on feeling like i was waiting for something else to come up,
something meatier like a SOAMelt or a Maze.  oh well
 
Bathtub Gin:  good song, but not as the main song in the set.
interesting version though, kind of a dark jam w/ great drumming by
fish.  not that he isnt always on, but especially here.
 
Simple:  another one i have heard too much, shelf, please.
 
Free:  heard this one in albany too, the NY version was better.  but i
have been deprived of free's, and enjoyed it all the same.
 
Suzie:  did not expect this one at all.  i thought i saw trey say gumbo,
and almost shot myself.  but i guess they felt bad about playing all
those "filler" songs.  good rocking version, but page came up a little
short and was visibly frustrated during his solo.  maybe too much ganja
or whatever, but he didn't seem to pull it together and trey definitely
noticed.
----
 
Walk Away:  this was a first for me, and i loved it.  good rocking
version, and was glad to dance hard again.  it wasnt really finished,
trey didnt take a solo at the end but it seemed better not to anyway.
 
Rockytop:  ahhh, more bluegrass.  love this one, and page ripped it up
this time.  it put a good ending on a rather weak show.
 
General comments:  i though the setlist was real weak, with no big
hitters other than bathtub, which was slow going for a while.  the scene
inside was weak too:  TOO MANY KIDS!!  jesus, its like a high school
dance in there.  and there is no way i should feel like that as a 19
year old college sophomore.  and i think its time to chill on selling
drugs to kids who obviously cant handle them.  too many kids passing out
and shit, just really annoying.  so many there seemingly just for the
drugs/scene, you'd swear you were at a dead show.  anyway, my rating,
out of 10 as the best, would be a 6.


Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 22:34:25 -0800
From: Michael R Barrett [email protected]
To: [email protected]
 
What is up with this show 5 songs from opening nite 3 from the night after
that.  What happened to variation?

Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 18:36:12 -0800 (PST)
From: Bart Tantillo [email protected]
To: [email protected], 
Subject: Review 12/7/99

I. Farmhouse, First Tube, NICU, Funky Bitch, Punch You
in the Eye, Nellie Kane, Halley's Comet, The Squirming
Coil.
II. Wolfman's Brother, Jennifer Dances, Heavy Things,
Bug, Bathtub Gin>Simple, Free, Suzie Greenberg.
E:Walk Away, Rocky Top

 Expectations were at an all-time high, after all, this is New England,
home sweet home.  I don't have time to analyze every last detail, but I'll
do my best to give you all my take on the show as a whole.
 Set one felt like they took a whole bunch of show/set openers and played
them in a row.  They pretty much seemed to be going through the motions
for the first few songs, which came as a huge surprise considering the
incredible vibe that was emanating from this venue.  Them starting flat
was the last thing I thought would happen.  Then Halley's Comet changed
the night for good.  Though I wasn't keeping time, I would say that this
version was between 20-30 minutes long, and showcased the most visible
talent the band has going for them these days; The ability of each member
to know exactly which direction the other three members are going at any
moment, a true sign of how tight they have become.  Sometimes I forget
this is only a four piece band.  Anyway, Halley's was by far the highlight
of the night, with Jennifer Dances coming in a close second.  I have seen
some people already bashing this song, but it's not surprising. God forbid
they don't write another You Enjoy Myself type song, all of a sudden they
are a Top 40 act?  Get a life idiots.  Set one ended with a stale version
of The Squirming Coil, another song in dire need of a vacation.
 Set two was commendable for the tightness of the songs played.  Not one
note was off, and certain moments were truly magical.  Bug comes to mind,
I really like this song, same for Heavy Things.  Simple was oddly ended
before the slow outro, and Free brought down the house before Suzie
Greenberg ended things on a happy note.  Walk away was cool as an encore,
and if Bob Walicki's theory about Rocky Top ending great shows is in fact
true, then add this one to the list.  A confusing show, two sets so
different, almost like two different bands.  But that's why we go isn't
it?  I walked out feeling disoriented, not sure exactly what the band was
up to, but knowing full well that whatever it was, it was a conscious
effort on their part.  A good show, not the glorious return to Maine I was
looking for however.

Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 14:55:56 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7/99.....

I am reading these "reviews", and I am wondering if these people well most
of them were at the same show as I was.  Anyway I really don't concern
myself with the other people at the shows, unless I'm making a new friend,
it seems that everyone is so ready to shit on someone else we're there for
the music, right? I go to shows to get away from politics, I go to shows
for simply one reason, to see four guys make incredible music that pushes
me through a realm only they can open, enough said, here is the review.
    I can say that for my 50th show, it was a fuckin' unbelievable
anniversary, that rivaled my first show atop Sugarbush. Farmhouse-it was
real sweet and set the tone for a fun night, I love this song and was
shocked when they took it into First Tube- everybody tie your shoe laces
and get ready to rip, love this 99 newbie, and it was obvious that the
band was on as Trey relaxed a little and let Mike and Fish just rock the
rhythm right into NICU- for those who say some songs should take a
"vacation' give me a break I'd be happy if they played this one twelve
times in a row, Page was really upbeat, sneaking in a few funk riffs in
the chorus. Setting up Funky Bitch- Trey went old school taking over the
song and just rippin it on his axe, it sounded like he was really pumped
up to let this one rip, maybe he remembered the last version here with
Warren Haynes, cause he was on fire!!!  PYITE- was a welcome as the boys
continued to work us into a frenzy it seemed like the energy kept rising
with every song, and I didn't think it could go any higher after Bitch,
thank god for Nellie Cane- cause I was ready to fall down, everyone where
I was sitting was ready for a breather, cause we were rockin, solid
Nellie.  Then there was the highlight of the show Halley's Comet, probably
the best Halley's I have ever heard, I always though that Hampton
11-22-97's Halley's would never be matched but, all I can say is oh my
god!!!!  This was one of the best showings of the band's ability to make
four instruments sound like one machine, I couldn't tell who was the lead
or playing what, I just heard a continual flow of the sweetest sound, I
realized that the band was taking us on a journey that had started with
Farmhouse, the show kept building up then letting off and building even
higher and it seemed that they were telling us this is the high point
right now, we're gonna take a break so just enjoy what we are giving to
you and enjoy I did, Halley's had to be 25 minutes long and was the
tightest jam I've heard in a long time, simply beautiful.  And just to top
off one of the best sets of 99, the give us a great Squirming Coil which I
always love at the end of first set, Page gave us a little extension on
the jam and I was happy to see that everyone was into him, after all Page
is the man. So the first set ended and I sat in my set drenched with
sweat, what a rockin' show so far, could they sustain.
    Oh yea they could:  Second set opened with Wolfman's- some times it
seems that the song is so-so, but that's because everybody and there
mother wants to hear the exact version from Slip stitch and pass, well not
me, isn't that why we go to live shows?  Anyhoo, great Wolfman's, Trey
sticked to the rock, instead of funking it out from the get go, he kept a
lot of his toys on hold and the boys simply gave Wolfman's and old school
rock feel, loved it. Je nnifer Dances- came a long way from Rochester
where it was like four minutes long, sweet jam for a solid ten minutes
after the final chorus had a Dirt/Fast enough jam feel, but with a little
more jump, I really like this new one, got me emotional.  Heavy Things-
one of my favs from Trey Tour, and you could hear during setbreak, which
feature really nice latin beats, this Heavy things tease in the music it
was so weird.  We decided there was no doubt we would hear it. We did!!! A
little more up tempo than usual, Fish really rocked during this one
throwing in a lot of subtle beats, and Page sped it up a little to match
Fish, great version, good timing. Heavy things went right into Bug- I
can't get enough of this song, though it seemed like nobody had heard it
as they sat down at the opening, and when Trey built it up into "Bug!!"
everybody jumped up and was like, "Oh, Shit!" needless to say I think
there are a lot of new Bug fans after this show, extended chorus on this
version, as it seemed like Mike and Trey were really connecting after the
last, "Overrated".  Then they brought on Bathtub Gin- I thought Page was
going to break his keys, I mean he was going Pete Townsend on it, just
hammering it, The intro went way longer than usual to let Page have his
fun, great song, Page was rocking it hard right into Simple- which I can
say I was shocked to hear out of Mike's WEekapaug, and also delighted,
what a great time to play it, nobody saw a Simple coming, they really
fledged on this one, and again I could here the long voyage theme in the
music. Free- was great, I wish they would play it a little more, I was
feelin pretty Free during this one.  Alas, Suzy Greenberg- I love the funk
approach they've taken to Suzy lately, it seems they have reinvented it a
little in order to want to play it again and are we happy.  Huge energy, I
don't think anybody expected anything after Free, so we rocked Suzy hard
as did the boys.
    The encore featured Walk Away which was cool and pretty nostalgic, I
got that old school feeling.  And then Rocky Top, which was killer, I've
become a huge fan of Rocky top after this summer's Polaris show, if you
were there you know what I'm talking about.  So the show ends and I can
barely stand, what an unbelievable time, they really went all out tonight.  
One of the best of the year, the jams were so tight, it's hard to explain,
but just imagine taking a bunch of sounds and squeezing them into a tight
fist and when you open it there is one beautiful instrument there that
combine's all the sounds.  It was perfect, one of the best performances by
the band as a whole.
    In closing I'd like to say, we're there for the music, not to
criticize other people and the band.  It baffles me why so many people
want to be critics, I like every song and couldn't care less in what order
they play it in, or when the last time they played it was.  We're there to
have a good time, so just give it a try, cause there's some of us who want
you to. Long live Phish!!!!


Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 22:29:22 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: First nite in Portland

    After much debating on school and loot, the gust of excitement and
anticipation came over me as I hopped in Steven's car at 4pm. Burlington
traffic is a bitch, but so is Steven so we managed ok and got movin down
Rt 89s at approx 100 mph, mellowing at 85 through NH and Maine.  We
arrived in the ridiculous time of 7:35, and entered the show. This being
my first time at the Portland venue, I was impressed by its intimacy and
acoustics, as well as the ever mellowing vibes surrounding the scene. For
all you negative too-cool-for-phish flamers, keep walkin, we don't want
your sorry asses passed out on dope while we're trying to dance

As for the gig, it was the best I've seen in a while, having struggled
through much of the summer's muck and the fall's confusion, and I was
pyched to see the band communicating so well and so happy and vibing
within. Song selection was a little better than average, but the execution
was exemplary. Never heard such a rippin' FIRST TUBE, and its been a while
since Trey was such a shredding blues hawk on BITCH. I am always annoyed
by NICU, so it was an excellent chance to sit down and puff, and notice
all the passed out dopeheads around. Now kids, I like to get high at shows
in several ways, but come on, keep it together, or just get high and give
your ticket to that smokin' girl begging at will call. She wants to dance,
not writhe on the concret in a opiate trance. Anyway, back to the
tunes,HALLEY"s with a different, groove-oriented loop feel, rather than
the raging rockfest that normally happens. I love the old way, but the new
jam is dope. A quality Nelly Kane and a average COIL, yet y'all need to
shut up and listen when Page serenades us to the setbreak. How rude!!
    Second set, same story. Average setlist, Above average perfomance.
Decent WOLFMAN"S, but JENNIFER DANCES is pretty wack. A corny ditty Trey
made up after hooking up with a groupie, maybe. However, the HEAVY THINGS
was quality, a pop ditty that still grooves and moves. GIN was pretty
good, moved for a while but did not ignite. SIMPLE sucks, but the jam out
of it is usually the stuff dreams are made of. FREE is the shit, and they
band rocked it down. A fun SUZY to close was appropriate, and the fans
appreciated the hearty effort by all four players and the fifth
Phisherman, Kuroda, who keeps amazing me show in and show out.
    My first WALK AWAY was sick, and I was goin' off, along with the rest
of my section ( I relocated to get away from the lot kid shelter of the
first set), and ROCKY TOP sent us to DJ Logic with shit eating grins. Oh,
by the way, Logic was sick at the brewery around the corner. A Mike Gordon
cameo (not onstage) and the bartender charged him for a drink!! They're
not the Stones, now.
    A word to leave all you naysayers with. Yes, the band has off nights,
even frequently now. But we are human, so are they, and the shows are
about a good time, not some intense critical performance. The Dead were
the band to quote, to live by, to hold every thing up against. Garcia
blessed us, and we have not forgotten. So enjoy Phish while we have them,
it just a party, they are just a good rock band, so have some fun and
stopped getting so worked up over the song choices, people, it makes y'all
sound like snobs. Remember gutter punk lot kids, keep walkin.
                                                        BGETZ
                                                        NJ 4 LIFE
                                                        VT 4 NOW
                                                                   

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 12:28:15 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7 review
 
Well, I'm not one for lengthy song analysis so here's my piece.
 
It's been a while since I've experienced an indoor show,(workload doesn't
allow for touring, so i am partial to the outdoor/festival shows) but I must
say, the CCCC is such an intimate setting you can't go wrong.  I know where
you're all at with the no beer/boxed in/seating complaints, they can be
downers if you let them; but the close, comfortable space that's created in
a venue as small as this outweighs all of that for me.  My highpoints:
 
Set I:
NICU - had been talkin about wanting to hear this one all day, sometimes
when you ask you will receive
Halley's jam - I agree with Matthew Cardullo, no idea how long it lasted but
oh how sweet it was.
My one gripe is on Coil, mainly to the crowd, I wish they would chill during
Page's solo....every time I get to hear this the crowd ALWAYS anticipates
the end, like every 5 bars and it screws up my phlow and connection with it.
While I know it can sometimes be a predictable solo......it is so simple and
pure I thoroughly enjoy it every time.  I guess I need to work through this
on my own, because I am sure it will continue to happen!
 
Set II:
Wolfsan's - always good, no matter how many times I've heard it.
Jennifer - I agree with the "top 40 is"  thing, but I think this may have
some potential.
Heavy Things & Bug  - I had never heard these two before and loved em
Simple - again, one of those "man, it would be great to hear...."
Free - hello, this is like my theme song for why I go to shows. really
connected with "feel the feeling I forgot" line and Mike's work was fad.
SUZY, SUZY, SUZY!!!!!!!!!! - I think this made my year.  was the first tune
at my very first show 6 years ago and hadn't heard it since....think i
sweated about 2 buckets dancing on that one.
 
NEC:
Walk Away - they continue to amaze me with the covers they do and how well
they do em, very often way better than the original.
Rocky - always a good closer, could only do my high energy hoedown through
about half (Suzy really drained me)
 
Overall, great show (i am a little sore this morning though, and in the
WEIRDEST places).  Looking forward to tonight, going to try and get there a
little earlier for better seats...hoping for a possum or theme, meatstick
would be great (haven't heard it since we tried for the record in oswego)
but they did it sunday so probably not.
 
we are all sunshine and laughter,
take joy in the simple things,
find connection and peace,
ignore the rest.
 
In love and light,
Kristen

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 14:46:56 -0800
From: Justin W Henry [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Reviews 12/7 Poertland
 
Having not been to a show this tour I would like to chime in on the current
reviews. I have been to over 125 Phish shows since 1989. I have seen and
heard almost everything, and after reading some of the reviews I can say I
truly have heard everything. I would like people to remember that music is a
collaborative art form. It flows and ebbs with its participants. And we must
remember that the participants are Page, Trey, Jon, Mike, Chris, the rest of
the organization and then the phans. We do not quite get the right to try and
dictate how the bend we have grown to respect and nurture over the years
behaves. It is not our place for a moment to suggest a band any band shelve a
song because it has been played a number of times. That is completely
disrespectful and just mean. Perhaps the band should ask people not to come
because they have see you at to many shows. Please show respect. The
musicians are human too and they like us are trying and striving to find that
perfect groove. Do not reprimand them for it. And on a more personal note if
yo don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.


Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 12:48:36 -0500 (EST)
From: Matt McGrath [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: the road not taken....
 
Fantastic show last night, my first show since Oswego.  But as you go back
over these tapes in the weeks to come, listen to the end of halleys, and
convince me that a segue into "I found a Reason" would not have been a
stroke of genius....

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 10:22:37 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: 12/7/99 review

Here's my review of Portland,ME, 12/7/99. Well, my last shows were at the
end of fall tour in Albany.  I went there with high expectations, they
were the tour closers and all, and left somewhat disappointed.  Going to
Portland, I had no expectations at all.  I was ready for whatever Phish
would give me.  This was also my first time going back to Portland since
my very first Phish show(12-30-93) and I knew the venue was very small and
would give a great vibe to the show.  Plus, its general admission, which I
really love. I went up to Maine by myself, ended up running into some
friends and went to the show with them.  I had originally wanted to get in
line early in order to get up front, but its cold in Maine.  Not as cold
as it usually is at this time of the year, but cold nonetheless. We
actually ended up going in at around 7:15 or so.  Much to my astonishment,
we were able to walk right up front and get spots about 3rd row, Trey
side.  The band started up right around 8:15 with Farmhouse.  I like
Farmhouse, they've been playing it quite a bit, but I don't see that many
shows so I don't mind.  I feel its very representative of the types of
songs Phish writes now.  After that, they busted into First Tube.  
Sometimes I think Trey songs are meant for Trey tour but this song just
packs so much energy that I love it.  It just gets the crowd going.
Looking at Mike during the song, he seemed kind of bored.  Its really a
Trey showcase.  Next up, NICU.  I haven't heard this since Great Woods
this summer and it was a welcome treat.  After that was a ripping Funky
Bitch.  The energy level in the venue was pumping.  A great version of
this classic.  PYITE started up with a nice long intro, and of course, was
rocking.  A little bluegrass break was in order, and Nellie Cane did not
disappoint.  I have always liked Nellie Cane, I sometimes wished when they
were playing Ginseng Sullivan a lot that they would break this one out,
and so I was having a good 'ole time.  The song that made the first set
was next, Halley's Comet.  I don't know what the length on this was but I
would imagine it was around 20 minutes.  Just a great jam that had me
dancing my head off.  It was epic.  They closed the set out with Squirming
Coil.  You have to love Coil.  It was nicely played, and Page had his solo
down par usual.  I thought it was a great first set.  During setbreak we
decided to move to the back of the venue, so we could appreciate the light
work of CK5.  It just shows what a great venue the CCCC is, there are no
bad seats. The second set really showcased the work of Chris, and it was
very mesmerizing. Set break was about 45 minutes or so, and then the band
came out and started up Wolfman's Brother.  It was a pretty decent
version, I find a lot of the Wolfman's from the past couple of years to be
very similiar.  Slow, funky jams. This one wasn't too drawn out.  The band
next gave us Jennifer Dances, a new tune that just debuted in Rochester.  
I had heard that it was very popish and that is true, it is.  Its not my
"type" of Phish tune, but maybe it will grow on me.  My theory is that as
Phish gets older, their style is changing.  Its not that I would want
Phish to be on the radio all the time,and attract the DMB -type crowd but
I know Trey and the rest of the band would love to get some radio airplay.  
Trey has always said that he would love to hear himself on the radio.  
Next up was Heavy Things.  I like this catchy tune, its got a good beat,
and I find it to be a great one to dance to.  After that was Bug.  To be
honest, I was clueless what this was until the chorus, but man, the chorus
sure does rip.  CK5 was working his magic in tune with the band.  I find
myself liking Bug more all the time, its really grown on me since the
first time I saw it this summer at Great Woods.  The band next jumped into
Bathtub Gin.  This was an interesting version of Gin to say the least.  I
really felt that they were showcasing CK5 in this tune.  The jam was very
ambient and Chris was improvising along with the band.  Whereas some fans
might not consider it a great Gin, I thought that the jam was all about
Phish's love of the ambient style of music. They weren't playing a lot of
notes, but it was enjoyable and CK5 was really working it.  Simple rolled
in next.  I love Simple.  I like it so much more when its not part of the
Mike's groove.  It was a pretty short Simple and then the funk started.  
Free.  There is no song that has benefited more from Mike being turned up
in the mix than this one.  He just drives this tune now.  I like this song
so much more than I did in 95 when it came out.  Mike had a fat solo, and
Trey was letting him control the reins of the song.  It was great.  Suzy G
was up next.  Its been a while since I've seen this song, and while no
version can match up to the versions with horns, this one and the one at
Deer Creek this past summer were both great.  Page was working the keys
and I love the extended jam that they've put into this song.  Very nice.
The band ended up ending the second set at around 11:30.  After a little
break, they came out and ripped up Walk Away. I have never seen this song
live before and it sounded just as awesome as it does on the tapes I own.  
Very great version.  The energy was high.  I thought they might be all
done after that but we got a little added bonus, Rocky Top.  What can you
say, classic tune. All in all, I found this to be a great show.  The show
ended at 11:40 and I was on the highway back home to NH by 11:45.  
Breezed right in and breezed right out. I can't wait for tonight's show.  
I'm really hoping for a Curtain, Sloth, McGrupp or Sand.  Any of those
would make my day.  If anyone happens to come across these shows, I would
be forever grateful for a B&P.  Thanks for reading....peace.......dull


Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 12:13:59 PST
From: Andrew Rose [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7/99 Review

12/7/99 CCCC, POrtland, ME
I (8:05-9:30) Farmhouse, First Tube, NICU > Funky Bitch*, PYITE, Nellie
Cane, Halley's^->Coil
   *slowed down, funky
   ^25 min, insane, Trey on keys

II (10:10-11:25) Wolfman's, Jennifer Dances, Heavy Things, Bug,
Bathtub**->Simple, Free->Suzie
E: Walkaway, Rockytop
**ambient jam

I just wanted to get a word in about the two amazing days I spent in
Portland Maine on December 7 and December 8, 1999.

These shows were two of the most intimate, energy packed, musically
mind-blowing shows I have seen in a while. People can say what they will
about some of the song selection or or placement, but the fact is that the
boys were ON and they knew it. When all four of them turned on during the
Halley's on the first night it was bliss.

I was front row the whole show and I just have to say here that Mike is a
fucking ROCK. The Halley's was absolutelty phenomenal. To give any of you
reading this an idea of what it was like (for me anyways), I'd say it
topped the Went Bathtub Gin, which has been number one in my books since I
heard it way back in summer 97 (seems like such a long time ago now, don't
it?) At any rate, I'd bet my Florida tickets you won't find a better
Halley's out there. Blows Grand Rapids 98 out of the water, and makes the
Hampton 97 version (my previous fave) look boring. Oh, and I was also
sober for the show. Of course you don't have to take my word for it. Hear
it yourself!

The Bathtub was beautiful, long and very ambient. Free->Suzie was even 
better. Again Mike showed us just how solid he is and how much sound is in
his brain. He just went nuts during Free and Trey fed off it beautifully.
Suzie was incredibly fresh ... like the Nassau
version only better. Page got on the clav and the neo-funk came out. Great
way to end a great show.

There were moments of course that kept this show from being absolutely
epic, (ie Jennifer Dances, Heavy Things, Bug) and the beginning of the
first set (although First Tube was quite hot), but I got the feeling that
the boys were holding back here because they KNOW they've got an intense
developing sound - just hear the Halley's and tell me it isn't so. I think
part of the reason is that they're gearing up for what just might be a new
champion of shows on the whole, and I'm talking about Florida. Time will
tell...


Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 09:53:07 -0500
From: "Watkins, Bill" [email protected]
To: "'SMTP:[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: Review of 12/7/99

We decided late to head up to Maine hearing a rumor that Trey said not to
miss the "Maine Shows".  As we arrived from Boston the streaming blue
lights were out and about after the last toll and had pulled over several
groups on there way to the Civic Center.  Never have Maine's phinest been
amiable to Deadheads or Phishheads in the past so why would they begin
now.  The organization of parking seemed pretty good as we rolled right
into a lot and only had to pay $5 for parking.

Being 7:30 it was time to go in just in case they decided to start this
one a little early.  Shakedown St. was filled with undercover cops
flashing their badges and asking people to dump beers and put their
vending goods aside. So, missing the scene didn't seem like a huge loss.  
Access in the building was fine except a shocking reality that they DON"T
SELL BEER. what up with that?

Our GA tickets are okay if you have two things; height and strong legs.
Luckily the former gave me a great view of the venue and it's sound system
and set up.  Small venue and extremely boxy.  I wasn't sure how that would
effect the sound but I couldn't wait to be the judge.  Security was
visible but really non-eventful as we worked our way to Trey side and
rested for the 8:10 start.

Farmhouse opener seemed justifiable as we found ourselves in the farming
part of Maine and looking to shake some corn from the stalk.  I feel Phish
is really working this one lately b/c they have played several versions of
this for at least the last the last two tours.  I liked the tempo and it
got people ready for something sweet.  Sweetness arrived in the form of my
second first tube.  Great song and clearly a favorite as Trey jerked
around and got the crowd into the funky, trancy hypnotic beat.  Slammin
energy and Trey was milling the crowd like (hood) and looking around for
approval. We gave it to him as he queued up for song three.  NICU
proceeded and I knew this was going to be a short clean mean set.  Less
bang for the buck as some others NICU's but not shabby to say the least.
The Funky Bitch that followed was really tight and the keyboards from
Paige were great. Totally different Funk jam then I've seen in a long
time.  A higher pitched groove that really seemed to click.  A quick
ending and "bam" an easy call-Punch. Seen far too many lately so I figured
I would slow the system down and see what they had to offer next.  From
Wilson's reign to Nellie Kane.  The diversity of this band brings me back
and the country flair is always welcomed.  Nellie Kane was short sweet and
a fresh change from the Ginseng Sullivan or Dogs.  As you get older and
creativity is needed there are always songs that immediately bring a smile
to the face and Haley's is one of them.  I am a bigger phan of the long
slow funky Haley's like Lemonwheel so when I got a combo funk>jam I was
getting more than I bargained.  Trey got the loop going on time and merged
several delays into a playful jam as he began and to catch eyes with the
rest of the band.  The jam was very extended and worked it's way into a
great seemingly trippy ending.  Leo was strong in the first set, so the
Squirming Coil should have been expected. Great for the crowd but I knew
the first set was done and done it was. Very short ending to Coil with
Trey walking off quickly-almost in a huff?. Mike was looking around for
some direction but had no where to go but backstage. Not sure if there was
a curfew but it seemed the set was a little rushed so the halls were
philled with expectations for set 2.

Set 2 came after a lengthy set break with no BEER.  Wolfmans was funky and
pretty long with two jams that intertwined and then melted back into the
ending segment which transitioned nicely.  I thought the second set would
be a few songs and some long jams but the band had tricks up their
sleeves. New Song-second time!-Jennifer Dances.  I was in the seats at a
45 degree angle from Trey on his side and the crowd wasn't sure what to do
with this one.  Similar repetitive lyrics like Birds but they took a jam
that has been present on tour for years and created something magical.  
Will the song develop?  Hope so-and it has plenty of room to grow!  Heavy
things-beautiful lyrics that made me think that these guys can really do
almost anything their hearts desire.  New tune again-Bug!  I guess this
isn't in the genre of new one like Jennifer Dances but still only me
second or third version. This got me going knowing the oldies but goodies
may be creeping out of the bag of presents Phish brought on this holiday
tour.  Bathtub erupted and Paige staked his claim.  They didn't do the
huge jam and in fact they cut it short to work in a Simple which got the
crowd in a different state of funk-Skyscrapers are Grand.  Simple ends.  
Band looks at eachother and pulls out a Suzy Greenberg?  Bring it ON!  I
was really psyched to hear this because the last one I heard at New Haven
in 98(?) was coupled with "The Dude of Life" and far from hot.  This one
was the A-bomb.  Paige pulled out some Stevie Wonder jams and Trey let the
jams fly in between the lyrics. Everyone was dancing and even the Event
Staff was rocking to this one. Oops-that was just a shirt-no event staff
near-phew!

We worked our way to the exit to ready ourselves for a clean take off and
was floored when "Walk Away" started.  Could the rumor of not missing this
venue be done?  Not on your life.  Great choice for a tour with few shows
and plenty of touring kids out of school.  Walk Away we did but only to
walk back in for a few lyrics from Rocky Top.  Back to the country twang
and the fun which will not end until FLA.  All in all a great show with
surprises and songs new and old.  Phans come back for the littlest things
and in life those little things can consummate prior decisions.  In making
the decision to come to Maine-I have no issues.  Only great memories with
Hartford and Provy to look forward to in the upcoming week.  Hope the
surprises continue tonight and that funk don't stop.

Billy Ray 


Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 08:35:24 -0500
From: Matthew Walsh [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7/99  Cumberland County Civic Center

A new apex.

I first witnessed the transformation at Great Woods this summer (second
night, 7/13/99?)
Most songs I see as frameworks, outlines, forms for the true sound: the
jam.
And besides a few exceptions, the chords and arrangements are just the
structure: A guide for explorations,
A path to find during peaks and valleys and intricate meanderings.

Halley's has become the essential outline.
The new trail to the summit.

(Such frameworks: Antelope '92, SOAM '93, Chalkdust '94,'95, DWD '96,
Taste, Theme '97, Piper '98, to suggest a few)

And last night,

In front of an ephemeral mood of blues and reds and golden Kuroda hues,
The essence was still there, Halley's was still there, somewhere, hidden
in the rich Textures, vibrant, alive, a rhythm, a funk made from the four
of them and the Thousands of us, pulled from the night air and channeled
through Languedocs. Never wavering, never losing emphasis or strength.
Steady, deliberate, ecstatic.
It was all that it should be, it was the communion we came for.
A single moment of truth, a brief transcendent truth, everything
clicking, all pistons firing.
A great tribal dance with the purest of smiles.
Limitless. 


Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 12:16:42 -0800 (PST)
From: Dana DiMarco [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: portland 12-7-99 thought/review

I don't have much to say, although there are a few reviews that i read
that summed up what i felt.  first of all hurray for Page.  he was
phenomenal.  i stood there at the end of squirming coil with tears in my
eyes, i was amazed at his talent.  second of all i thought both sets were
awesome and i couldn't have asked for anything more.  i've only been to 7
shows, but it seems strange to me that people are actually trying to
dictate what these artists should and shouldn't play.  i'm not saying that
dissappointment isn't optional, but my god, don't be so heartless! enjoy
these guys while they're here, you never know when your last show will be.  
untill then relax and bask yourself in the notes that flow from their
souls. it's something special that they share with us and appreciation is
the only thing that should be felt.


Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 03:09:04 -0500
From: Terry Bennett [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-7-99  Portland /review

Where do we begin?
We've been to about 30 shows and it really seemed like the boys were on
tonight!

Set 1
Great Funky Bitch!
Set 2
Jessica Dances it's more like Jessica blows!

The show itself had some musical highlights unlike the entire night!
Dave Letterman's Top 10 Reasons this night sucked!
10.  No Beer
 9.   Contrary to popular belief air drums are not cool!
 8.   No Beer
 7    No seats.
6.    Naked chicks that aren't chicks.
5.    block heads block vision.
4.    Patchouli doesn't even smell as good as BRUT
3.    No Beer.  
2.    Kids passing out are cool, you get their space!
1.    NO BEER!

Sorry this was brutal but we just wanted to be honest, just like ABE! 



below are reviews of the above reviews, reviewers or the opinions
expressed by the authors

Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 12:11:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Deacon Chapin [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: CCCC review/comment
 
A friend of mine mentioned to me that he had read the
12/7 review at CCCC and that the majority of the
reviews were negative.  At once I became irritated and
a thousand thoughts flooded my head.  Today I had the
chance to peruse some of the reviews and I was amazed
at the responses!  Apologizes in advance for the
rants:
 
[email protected]:
 
This is aimed at you and everyone else who overuses
the word "standard" in their reviews.  Who the fuck do
you think you are, Dr. Evil?  Did you fashion meat
helmets in the spring and have your scrotums shorn?
The thing that really chaps my arse is that the night
of the show EVERYONE at CCCC was going nuts for NICU
and PYITE, yet the next day you'd think they were
lip-synching.  You don't like these "standard"
versions?  Then here's a bit of advice for you:
miracle your ticket away, sit in your car/truck/bus,
pop in MSG 12/31/95 and live in the past.  Guess what?
 they're not gonna play Terrapin Station, Destiny
Unbound, or Alumni Blues every nite, or anytime soon
for that matter.  Sure, you may want a fluffhead -->
harpua --> maze...well I'd like a toilet made out of
solid gold but its just not in the cards, now, is it?
Some people seem to need a serious whack in the gut.
 
[email protected]
 
This guy has some serious issues.  This person must be
soooo bitter.  I bet he didn't dance all night last
night, much less get out of his seat!  His review had
no rhyme or reason to it.  Don't like Sand, Dirt, Get
back on the Train, Ya Mar?  Then stay the fuck home.
Why subject yourself to an environment that seems to
let you down?  Why spend $30 on dissapointment?
 
So here's my take on things.  I thought the show was
completely kickass.  Pretty much every show I've
attended has been kickass.  Sure, I've heard some
tapes that I frequently hit FF, but tapes only reveal
the audio PhishExperience [tm].
 
Phish does not owe you anything, nor do you owe
anything to Phish.  I think there is a mutual
agreement that we have with each other.  Don't like
what you get?  It's a free country, follow some other
band, there are plenty to choose from.  Negativity is
not something that is needed on tour.
 
Hooray for Phish!!!

Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 08:05:34 EST
From: andrew danch [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Comment
 
This is just a comment to Justin Henry's comment in the portland review on
the first night.  I agree with you totally.  Also, about the band putting
songs on the shelve....No band should do that.  JUst because you don't like
a song doesn't mean that everyone else doesn't like that song.  How do you
know.  Cuz of a couple people that put in reviews?    Also, this is towards
Dan Buckley ......You saw they was too many kids....How old where you when
you went to first first show?...You must have been young if this was your 30
or so show...Unless you went on tour for the last yaer or so.........But I
was 13/14 when I went to my first show...In 95 and I was pretty much the
only on e that liked them...I had to go to shows with my brother up until
97.  Not that it was a bad thing to go with my brother....I still do and I
get the ride for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I may not be as old as most of the other
people at shows but I know all the tunes....get the tapes etc....I have the
best time at any show.....regardless of what they play..Some shows for me
mat be better than others but every one has that.....It just confuses me
when people say too many kids....We were all young at one point...We just
lucky enough to share Phish witheveryine else at a younger age..........
 
 
17 old phan
C you all in Phlorida
p.s. Any one coming from canada?

Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 10:26:25 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/7

Question for Terry Bennett [email protected] about his 12/7
review:

Do you enjoy being a comedian? 

click here to return to the 1999 reviews page


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